HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-20 RegularMinutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
_
May 20, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING - 5:30 P.M.
(Immediately following the Closed Session Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:12 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor
Valerie Amezcua
City Manager
Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk
Jennifer L. Hall
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra (arrived at 4:17 P.M.), Hernandez, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem
Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza
arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 MAY 20, 2025
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed
Session items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received. (65) Closed Session Agenda Item No. 3.
The following individuals addressed the City Council in -person:
1. Bulmaro Vicente urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
2. Autumn Overton urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
3. Sandra DeAnda spoke regarding an experience with Santa Ana Police Department
(SAPD) and urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
4. Rain Mendoza expressed concern regarding the delay in the appointment of Police
Oversight Director and urged the City Council to appoint a director.
5. Tanya Navarro spoke regarding the qualities of a qualified Police Oversight Director
and the Police Oversight Commission.
6. David Pulido urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
The following individual addressed the City Council via teleconference:
7. Juliana Musheyev urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
RECESS:-- City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting
regular City business.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:29 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain
matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice
from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will
prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana et al., United States
District Court Case No. 8:25-cv-00215-JWH-DFM
CITY COUNCIL 2 MAY 20, 2025
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
—POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to paragraph (4) of
subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Three (3) cases — Drug
Den Abatement Actions
• 1502 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana ("El Tapatio")
• 1504 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana ("Royal Roman")
• 1519 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana ("Royal Grand")
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EMPLOYMENTIAPPOINTMENT pursuant to Section
54957(b)(1) of the Government Code:
Title: Police Oversight Commission Independent Oversight Director
CLOSED SESSION REPORT — The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed
Session.
RECONVENE — City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6: 16 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tern
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Cleric
ROLL CALL
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Valerie Amezcua
Alvaro Nunez
Sonia R. Carvalho
Jennifer L. Hall
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez (arrived 6:19 P.M.), Penaloza, and Phan,
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief
James Henerey
Pastor Johnny Dunning
CITY COUNCIL 3 MAY 20, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing Santa
Ana's Annual Youth Poster Contest Winners
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented certificates of recognition to Santa Ana's
annual youth poster contest winners.
2. Proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez to Santa Ana Active
Streets declaring May 2025 as National Bike Month
MINUTES. Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez presented a proclamation to Santa Ana Active
Streets declaring May 2025 as National Bike Month.
3. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Bacerra and Councilmember
Phan declaring May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra and Councilmember Phan presented a
proclamation declaring May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Lopez to First 5 Orange County
declaring May 2025 as Early Childhood Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a proclamation to First 5 Orange
County declaring May 2025 as Early Childhood Month.
5. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Penaloza
recognizing Pio Pico's Inaugural Intermediate Sports Team for Exceptional
Sportsmanship
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza presented certificates of recognition to Pio
Pico's inaugural intermediate sports team for exceptional sportsmanship.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT —The CityAttorneywili report on any action(s)from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for ALL comments on agenda and non -agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received. three (3) Agenda Item No. 27, one (1) Agenda Item No. 28, and five (5) non -
agenda comments.
CITY COUNCIL 4 MAY 20, 2025
The following speakers addressed City Council in -person:
9. Sandra DeAnda spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
2. Natalia Perez (translation: Spanish) requested assistance in finding affordable
housing for her family.
3. Sue Palak thanked Councilmember Bacerra, the Santa Ana Police Department, and
the Quality of Life Team for improvements over the past five years to the South Coast
Metro area.
4. Alex Hernandez expressed concern regarding public safety around Cabrillo
Crossing.
5. Kanan Durham expressed concern regarding public safety related to Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
6. Ray Diaz requested transparency regarding ICE and Homeland Security presence
in the City.
7. Mia Verdin spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
8. Diego Sarmiento spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27,
9. Rain Mendoza spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez's and spoke in support of Agenda
Item No. 27.
10. Diego Sanchez spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
11. Abraham Quintana spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
12. Matthew Compton requested that police officers be held accountable for their
actions.
13. David Pulido spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez and requested justice, release of the
police report, and accountability.
14. Erika Armenta (translation: Spanish) spoke regarding Noah Rodriguez and
requested justice, release of the police report, and accountability.
15. Oscar Torres expressed concern regarding affordable housing in the city and short
term rentals.
16. Emma Gottfried spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez, requested justice and
accountability, and spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
17. Basha Jamil spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
18. Khalid Hudson spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
CITY COUNCIL 5 MAY 20, 2025
19. Indigo Vu spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 2 7.
20. Carlos Perea (translation: Spanish) spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
21. Diana Torreros spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27 and spoke regarding justice
for Noe Rodriguez.
22. Camila Guzman spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
23. Tanya Navarro spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
24. Erica Gonzalez spoke regarding ICE activity in the city, justice for Noe Rodriguez,
and in support of item 27.
At 8.10 P.M. AGENDA ITEM NO. 28 WAS MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND
CONSIDERED PRIOR TO THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA
WORK STUDY SESSION
28. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES: Acting Executive Director of Finance Management Services Alex Trinidad
gave a presentation regarding the proposed FY 25126 Budget.
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez thanked staff for the presentation and for adjustments made
to the budget based on Council's recommendations.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for the presentation, a balanced budget, and
for including Bristol - Tolliver Park.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for the adjustments made to the budget based
on resident's and Council priorities.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked staff for the presentation and asked for clarification
regarding funding for the MacArthur and Flower left turn signal.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained the funding for the MacArthur and Flower left
turn signal would come from City earned savings and a nominal amount would come
from the City of Irvine as part of a regional wafer venture.
Councilmember Penaloza expressed support for the Cypress Street Fire Station's
allocated funds and requested the project design plans be shared with the council, as
well as a breakdown of expenses for this project and similar future projects.
CITY COUNCIL 6 MAY 20, 2025
Public Works Executive Director Nabil Saba stated $9 million has been allocated to
the Cypress Fire Station and $500,000 has been spent on design.
Deputy Public Works Director Mike Ortiz stated $80, 000 was spent on removing
hazardous materials and clearing the interior for safety and police access. Following
this, $357,000 was spent to bring in professional staff to design plans. He stated the
adaptive reuse project for a public facility has triggered additional requirements not
found in residential properties, such as ADA compliance and a seismic retrofit,
necessitating a team of specialists and a historian. He stated these factors contribute
to higher costs and are consistent with industry standards for public sector projects.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern regarding the lack of capital improvements
previously requested being included in the future budget and requested a meeting
with staff to get further details on the current proposed budget.
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for the presentation and expressed support for
the budget.
Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for the presentation and budget, and requested an
update on the number of surveys submitted, and stated public safety and quality of
life have been the top concerns.
Acting Director Trinidad stated there were approximately 9,100 surveys received.
Discussion ensued regarding the timeframe of ongoing city projects.
Mayor Amezcua asked whether the requested fence in Riverview would be completed
within the current budget cycle.
City Manager Nunez stated the majority of the project would be able to be completed
within the current budgef.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in favor of funding for sidewalk repairs and
requested an update regarding sidewalk branding.
Director Saba reported the stamp has been set as a standard and will be added to
new sidewalks moving forward.
Councilmember Penaloza requested an update on previously requested splash pads,
a printed budget, capital improvement projects for future meetings, and ongoing
updates to Council on similar projects.
City Manager Nunez clarified the timeline and funding for the splash pads and similar
projects.
Mayor Amezcua asked for an update regarding pending projects.
CITY COUNCIL 7 MAY 20, 2025
City Manager Nunez stated he is prioritizing projects by analyzing reallocated funds
with staff to complete projects, explained progress can be seen at El Salvador and
Memorial Parks, the Centennial lighting project, and the allocation for the Cypress
Street Fire Station this fiscal year. He stated completion of similar projects within 18
months.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed Councilmember Penaloza's comments regarding
sidewalk funding and branding.
Councilmember Penaloza requested additional lighting at the zoo afterhours to offer
extended hours.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Executive Director Hawk Scott stated
staff is working to add additional lighting during the summer and announced the sale
of alcohol at the zoo.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 6 through 24 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES: At 8:48 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item Nos. 20 and 21 as the listed
entities, Psomas and Orange County Water District, are clients of her employer, Rutan
and Tucker.
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from Agenda Item No. 20 per the Levine Act
as the listed entity, Psomas, has made contributions to his campaign within the past 12
months.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 6 through 24, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 8 MAY 20, 2025
6. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
7. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of May 6, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
8. Regional and Unified Local Workforce Plans for Program Years (PY) 2025-
2028 as Required Under the Federal Title I Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Approve the Regional and Unified Local Workforce Plans
for PY 2025-2028 and authorize the submission to the State as required by the
federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I grant.
9. Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification
Program Year (PY) 2025-2027
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the submission of the application for
Subsequent Local Area Designation and Local Board Recertification for PY 2025-
2027.
10. Quarterly Report of Investments as of March 31, 2025
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
11.Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non -Public Works and up to
$500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by
Charter Section 421
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered
into between January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL 9 MAY 20, 2025
12. Contract to Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC for Governmental Accounting
Standards Board (GASB) Consulting Services (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC to provide Consulting Services to implement new
GASB standards for a total amount not to exceed $156,000 for a two-year period
beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 through June 30, 2026, with a
provision for three, one-year extensions for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027,
June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029. (Agreement No. A-2025-068).
13.Agreement with ProudCity for the Licensing of a Website Content
Management System (CMS) and Services
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
ProudCity, Inc. for website content management system (CMS) software
subscriptions and professional services, for a three-year term beginning July 1,
2025 and ending June 30, 2028, for an annual amount not to exceed $103,827, for
a total aggregate amount not to exceed $311,481 over the life of the agreement
(Agreement No. A-2025-069).
14.Agreement with StandUp for Kids to provide Rapid Re -Housing Services
Paired With Services Coordination for Homeless Youth from the Age of
Eighteen to Twenty -Four (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement with Standup for Kids Orange
County, in an amount not to exceed $375,000, for Rapid Re -Housing and Services
Coordination for a two-year period, beginning May 20, 2025, and ending May 19,
2027, with the option for the City to grant a one-year renewal in writing by the City
Manager and the City Attorney (Agreement No. A-2025-070).
15.Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Property Located at 2301
N. Westwood Avenue
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Mills
Act agreement with the below -referenced property owner for the identified
structure(s) (Agreement No. A-2025-071). [Includes determination that the
proposed project is exempt from further review in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act as Categorical Exemption/Environmental Review No.
2025-05 will be filed for the project]
CITY COUNCIL 10 MAY 20, 2025
Table 1: Mills Act Agreement Approved bv the Historic Resources
Commission (HRC)
Property
Historic Property
Owner(s)
Preservation
Address/House
Vote by HRC
Agreement No.
Kevin T.
2301 N.
6:0:0:1
Nguyen
2025-01
Westwood
(Commissioner
venue
IPadilla absent
16.Agreement with Kim Turner, LLC for Recruitment, Training, and Staffing
Consulting Services (Specification No 25-009) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year
agreement with Kim Turner, LLC, to provide recruitment, training, and staffing
consulting services for the period of May 20, 2025 through May 19, 2026, with
provisions for two, one-year extensions, in an amount not to exceed $197,500
(Agreement A-2025-072).
17. Purchase Order to Tolar Manufacturing Company for Bus Shelters and
Related Amenities (Specification No. 25-063) (General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Tolar Manufacturing
Company for bus shelters and related amenities, in a total amount not to exceed
$250,000.
18.Agreementwith HDR Engineering, Inc. to Conduct the First Street Multimodal
Boulevard Study (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement
with HDR Engineering Inc. to provide traffic engineering and transportation
planning services for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study in the amount of
$3,870,000, for a term beginning May 21, 2025 and ending on May 20, 2027, with
the option for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-073).
CITY COUNCIL 11 MAY 20, 2025
19.Agreement with Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. for Long -Term Financial Planning
and Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study (Specification No. 25-013) (Non -
General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement with Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. to
conduct long-term financial planning and a water and sewer cost of service study
for an amount not to exceed $130,850, for a term beginning May 20, 2025 and
expiring May 19, 2028, with a provision for two one-year extensions (Agreement
No. A-2025-074).
20.Agreements with Butler Engineering, Inc., Z&K Consultants, Inc., Berg &
Associates, Inc., Psomas, Willdan Engineering, and EEC Environmental for
On -Call Construction Management and Inspection Services (No. 25-011)
(Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
Butier Engineering, Inc., Z&K Consultants, Inc., Berg & Associates, Inc., Psomas,
Willdan Engineering, and EEC Environmental for on -call construction management
services and inspection services, for a shared aggregate amount not to exceed
$1,500,000, for a term beginning May 21, 2025 and expiring May 20, 2028, with
provisions for two one-year extensions (Core Agreement No. A-2025-075).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 20 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 5-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO
TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA (recusal),
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5 — 0 -- 2 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 12 MAY 20, 2025
21. First Amendment to Interagency Agreement with the Orange County Water
District and Moulton Niguel Water District
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first
amendment to the agreement with Orange County Water District and Moulton
Niguel Water District, to extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2028, and
to amend the scope of work to include a final design of the proposed infrastructure
based on the preliminary design analysis (Agreement No. A-2025-076).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 21 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
NOES: VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 -- 0 — 1 — Pass
22. Second Amendment to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of
Orange (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a second amendment to the Waste Disposal
Agreement with the County of Orange for an additional one-year term ending June
30, 2026 for continued importation of waste to the County's three landfills
(Agreement No. A-2025-077).
23. Resolution Authorizing the City of Santa Ana to Donate Surplus Public Works
Equipment to Sister City, Sahuayo de Morelos, Michoacan, Mexico
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Santa Ana to
donate surplus Public Works equipment to Sister City Sahuayo de Morelos,
Michoacan, Mexico.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-015 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING DONATION OF SURPLUS
PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT TO SISTER CITY SAHUAYO DE MORELOS
CITY COUNCIL ' 13 MAY 20, 2025
24. Second Reading of an Ordinance Adding Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes
and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal
Code Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide
First reading conducted at the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting and approved by
vote of 7-0. Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on May 9, 2025�
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Conduct a second reading and adopt an Ordinance
adding Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement
Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code prohibiting the sale or distribution of
Nitrous Oxide:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3079 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XIV TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE (CRIMES AND MISCELLANEOUS LAW
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS) PROHIBITING THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
OF NITROUS OXIDE [Includes determination that the ordinance is not subject to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA and Sections
15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a
direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment and is not a
"project" as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines as well as pursuant
to the "common sense" exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section
15061(b)(3)]
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 8:50 P,M., the Business Calendar was considered.
25. Resolutions Supporting California Senate Bills 28 and 38 (Umberg), 569
(Blakespear), and 757 (Richardson)
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Adopt the following resolutions in support of state
legislative efforts aligned with the City's goals of enhancing the quality of life for
residents through community safety, housing stability, and criminal justice reform;
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-016 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA
SENATE BILLS 28 AND 38 BY SENATOR THOMAS J. UMBERG TO
STRENGTHEN TREATMENT COURT STANDARDS AND REENTRY
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM; and
CITY COUNCIL 14 MAY 20, 2025
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-017 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA
SENATE BILL 569 BY SENATOR CATHERINE BLAKESPEAR, THE
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT COLLABORATION ACT, TO STRENGTHEN
LOCAL COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION; and
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-018 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 757
BY SENATOR STEVEN RICHARDSON, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT --
NUISANCE ABATEMENT, TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN LOCAL
AUTHORITY AND CONTROL
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra requested amending section I of Resolution
No. 2025-016 to include a Whereas clause regarding the percentage of support
for Prop. 36 and amending Resolution No. 2025-017 to include language requiring
funding for reimbursement to cities.
Councilmember Lopez thanked Senator Umberg for Senate Bills 28 and 38, and
staff for their responsiveness to Council requests.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 25, as amended to support California Senate Bills 28 and
38 and include a Whereas clause regarding the percentage of support for
Prop. 36 and supporting California Senate Bill 569 as amended to include
language requiring funding to reimbursement for cities, seconded by
Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 15 MAY 20, 2025
26.Ordinance Adding Article XII Entitled Disclosure of Certain Enforcement
Actions to Chapter 2 of the Sana Ana Municipal Code Requiring Disclosure of
Federal Election Commission and California Fair Political Practices
Commission Enforcement Actions
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Conduct a first reading and adopt an ordinance adding
Article XII entitled Disclosure of Certain Enforcement Actions to Chapter 2 of the
Santa Ana Municipal Code requiring disclosure of Federal Election Commission and
California Fair Political Practices Commission enforcement actions:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3080 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XiI ENTITLED DISCLOSURE OF
CERTAIN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO CHAPTER 2 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE REQUIRING DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL ELECTION
COMMISSION AND CALIFORNIA FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS FOR CERTAIN LICENSES, PERMITS OR OTHER
ENTITLEMENTS FOR USE
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan requested an amendment to section 2-921(a) of the
ordinance to change the word "involving" to "against."
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern regarding the 10 year requirement
possibly burdening staff to do research and requested an economic development
analysis to determine if it might discourage developer applicants.
Discussion ensued regarding transparency and reporting requirements referenced
in the ordinance.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho provided clarification regarding the decision to use the
definitions referenced in the Government Code.
Councilmember Phan spoke in favor of continuing to use the definitions as provided
in the Government Code for consistency.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern with the ordinance language and
expressed support for campaign finance reform.
CITY COUNCIL 16 MAY 20, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 26, as amended to update section 2-921(a) to change the
word "involving" to "against", seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 — 1 — Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
27. Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager to Develop and
Implement a Policy Requiring Immediate Disclosure of All ICE Courtesy
Notifications Received by the Santa Ana Police Department — Councilmember
Hernandez and Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding transparency, the city's
history as a sanctuary city, the legality of the proposed direction, and the 48-hour
buffer designed to prevent obstruction of investigations with judicial warrants.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke regarding transparency and advocating for mutual
grace between police and the public during street encounters.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the letter from Congressman Correa cautioning
not to leak law enforcement sensitive information that may put officers in danger or
obstruct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She requested Police
Chief Rodriguez address this matter and asked regarding the difference between
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez spoke regarding S854 the California Values Act,
public safety, safety of officers, other agencies, and ensuring compliance with both
state and federal law. He clarified the focus of DHS is investigating human
trafficking, drug trafficking, instances of national security, and acts of terrorism.
Councilmember Lopez spoke regarding transparency, looked forward to the legal
review by the City Attorney's Office of the policy, and spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL 17 MAY 20, 2025
Councilmember Phan asked for clarification regarding the type of information
received when notified from DHS and ICE, specifically whether the type of activity
is enforcement, investigation, or immigration related, and asked whether there is a
risk related to funding, how the current administration is interpreting the term
"interference" with immigration enforcement, whether employees, councilmembers,
and the community could face repercussions for releasing information, whether the
city can protect its employees, and whether there is a need to have a closed session
discussion regarding these risks, including the potential for litigation and its
associated costs.
Mayor Amezcua asked for clarification regarding the definition of a courtesy call,
echoed Councilmember Phan's comments, and asked whether the City of Santa
Ana would be liable should a City Council member receive information and choose
to release information to the community using their personal devices.
Chief Rodriguez stated a courtesy call is given by the outside agency when they will
be in the area in order to avoid compromising each other's investigations, and stated
that there is no additional details given on the investigation.
Councilmember Lopez requested a report be provided to Council stating the
number of courtesy calls the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) has received
and responded to since 2018.
Councilmember Penaloza asked for clarification regarding the 42 courtesy calls
received related to ICE incidents and asked regarding the criteria for receiving
federal grants, including those received from DHS.
Chief Rodriguez stated, of the 42 courtesy calls, about 15 of them were ICE related.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed Councilmember Phan's questions and concerns.
Councilmember Hernandez stated the policy would focus on transparency and
communicating information to the public but stated the information would not be
released if there is a warrant attached or the release of information would obstruct
an active investigation.
Councilmember Phan asked whether state law requires the Santa Ana Police
Department or any local police department to comply with a judicial warrant from
iCE or DHS, clarification regarding the information provided to SAPD by other
agencies, and asked regarding other transparency initiatives SAPD has taken
including the publishing of firearm seizures.
Chief Rodriguez clarified that judicial warrants are mandated to make an arrest and
administrative warrants are covered under SB 54. He explained that the firearms
seizures are only published when they are not part of an ongoing investigation and
are usually after the fact that the firearms are seized.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho confirmed the information would be provided to
Council although no formal policy would be drafted yet.
CITY COUNCIL 18 MAY 20, 2025
Mayor Amezcua asked whether any surrounding cities have had similar discussions
regarding the release of information.
Chief Rodriguez stated no other cities have had similar discussions.
City Attorney Carvalho stated the City of Los Angeles has had a similar discussion
with a resolution asking businesses to disclose the information but staff will continue
to do research to gather additional information.
Mayor Amezcua asked regarding an estimated timeline of when staff could come
back with answers and stated updates throughout the process would prove helpful
until staff returns with completed requests.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez gave an estimate of 45 days but acknowledged the
importance of the item and stated staff would provide it sooner if possible.
WORK STUDY SESSION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 28 WAS MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO THE
CONSENT CALENDAR (see page 6).
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez thanked Council and the community for
attending the Fun Run where there were over 3,000 participants and invited the
community to join for the Pride flag raising ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 9:15
A.M. in front of City Hall and the Memorial Day flag raising ceremony on Monday, May
26, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Memorial Park. She announced recreational swimming opens
on June 2, 2025 at El Salvador, Jerome, and Salgado parks and stated the City of Santa
Ana is sponsoring 50 Years of Little Saigon's Resilience, a free business event, on
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove in collaboration with
the cities of Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Westminster.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE — If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for
members of the Council to provide a brief oral report on attendance of any regional board
or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez invited the community to participate in a Pride flag -
raising ceremony on May 22, 2025 at 9:00 A.M., thanked all families for their support
and significant sacrifices, and wished everyone a good Memorial Day weekend. She
congratulated all graduating students and thanked their parents, counselors, teachers,
and administrators, and acknowledged the residents and community leaders who were
observing a five-day hunger strike in response to the proposed federal budget.
Councilmember Penaloza invited the community to the second annual Memorial Day
Commemorative Ceremony at Memorial Park on Memorial Day May 26, 2025 at 90:00
A.M. and thanked city staff for their work on this event and for their contributions to the
Santa Ana Fun Run.
CITY COUNCIL 19 MAY 20, 2025
Councilmember Phan stated that the Council is committed to upholding the city's
values, especially during this period of rapid change and turbulent times within the
community and amidst political shifts at both state and federal levels. She extended
gratitude to all who provided public comments, thanked staff for their dedication to
making the city a better place for all residents, and hoped everyone has a restful
Memorial Day weekend.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for preparing a balanced budget and
highlighted Ward 5 new businesses including Beale's Texas BBQ at 100 S. Main St.
and Los Grandes Originales Restaurant's new location opening at 3522 W. First St. He
requested the meeting be closed in memory of Frederick Lee Burrell, a longtime Soul
Food restaurant owner in Santa Ana, and expressed condolences to Erika Armenta,
the wife of Noe Rodriguez.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for organizing the Fun Run and for initiating
National Public Works Week, stated that he wore a poppy flower pin for the duration of
the meeting to honor Memorial Day, and thanked those who made the ultimate sacrifice
in service to the country. He wished everyone a safe and Happy Memorial Day
weekend, and wished his wife, Wendy, a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked staff for the Fun Run and organizing Kidworks' visit
to City Hall, announced a Heninger Park clean-up, stated he is participating in the
Special Education Parent Community Advisory Committee resource fair benefiting
special needs families in the city, congratulated all graduates, and requested a moment
of silence for communtiy activist Theo Reyes.
Mayor Amezcua thanked all veterans and honored those who gave their lives serving
our country, and thanked everyone who attended the Mother's Day Lunch -in, Coffee
with the Mayor, and the 7th Annual High School Inc. Give Gratitude event. She
announced the upcoming Coffee with the Mayor with Orange County Fire Authority, on
June 14, 2025, at Fire Station 79 and thanked City staff for their presence at the press
release with Senator Blakespear and Assemblywoman Davies. She closed the meeting
in honor of County Sheriff Daniel Chavira and Maria Socorro Sanchez, mother of
Congresswomen Loretta and Linda Sanchez.
ADJOURNMENT — Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Los
Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Daniel Chavira and Maria Socorro Sanchez at 10:23
P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
CITY COUNCIL 20
MAY 20, 2025